Master of Music in Music Performance

Program Overview

The Master of Music in Performance at The University of Toledo provides a comprehensive education in classical and jazz music, equipping students with the skills and knowledge for careers as performers, educators, and scholars. Students choose a concentration in composition, conducting, jazz performance, keyboard performance, music technology, or opera, and complete a culminating recital performance and research paper. The program is taught by experienced faculty and offers opportunities for one-on-one instruction, masterclasses, and ensemble rehearsals.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Music (M.M.) degree in Performance at The University of Toledo offers a comprehensive education in the traditions, practices, styles, and new directions of classical and jazz music. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for successful careers as performers, educators, and scholars.

Objectives:

• Master the technical and musical skills required for professional performance in various genres of music.
• Develop a deep understanding of the history, theory, and practice of music performance.
• Foster critical thinking, analytical abilities, and creative expression in musical performance.
• Prepare students for diverse career paths in the music industry, including performance, teaching, and research.

Outline:

Core Curriculum:

• Music Theory and Analysis
• Music History
• Aural Skills
• Keyboard Skills
• Conducting
• Pedagogy

Concentration-Specific Curriculum:

Students choose a concentration in one of the following areas:

• Composition: Courses in composition techniques, orchestration, and electronic music.
• Conducting: Courses in conducting techniques, rehearsal methods, and score study.
• Jazz Performance and Arranging: Courses in jazz improvisation, arranging, and ensemble performance.
• Keyboard Performance and Accompanying: Courses in piano or organ performance, accompanying techniques, and chamber music.
• Music Technology: Courses in music software, sound recording and editing, and electronic music production.
• Opera: Courses in opera performance, voice technique, and stagecraft.

Elective Courses:

Students select elective courses from a wide range of offerings, including:

• Chamber Music
• Music Business
• Music Education
• Music Therapy
• World Music

Culminating Experience:

• Master's Recital Performance: A solo performance demonstrating the student's technical and musical proficiency.
• Research Paper: A written analysis of the student's recital performance or a related area of interest.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through various methods, including:

• Written exams
• Oral presentations
• Performance evaluations
• Written assignments and research papers
• Participation in class and ensemble activities

Teaching:

The program is taught by a faculty of experienced musicians, composers, and educators. Students benefit from one-on-one instruction, masterclasses, and ensemble rehearsals. The department also hosts guest artists and performers to enrich the learning experience.

Careers:

Graduates of the M.M. in Performance degree are prepared for a wide range of careers in the music industry, such as:

• Freelance musicians
• Orchestra and chamber ensemble members
• Jazz musicians
• Music teachers in schools and universities
• Music producers and engineers
• Arts administrators
• Music therapists
• Composers and arrangers